Associate-CSSD

Job description

• Receive, sort, and inspect used surgical instruments and medical equipment. • Clean instruments manually and using automated washing equipment. • Prepare and pack instruments, trays, and supplies for sterilization. • Operate sterilization equipment such as steam autoclaves, low-temperature sterilizers, and washer-disinfectors. • Monitor and document sterilization cycles using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators. • Maintain accurate sterilization and inventory records. • Store sterile items according to infection control standards. • Distribute sterile supplies to operating rooms, wards, and other departments. • Identify damaged or malfunctioning instruments and report them for repair or replacement. • Follow hospital infection prevention, safety, and quality assurance protocols. • Participate in audits, stock management, and departmental training programs. Roles and Responsibilities 1. Cleaning and Decontamination • Collect used surgical instruments and medical devices from operating rooms, wards, and clinics. • Sort instruments according to type and contamination level. • Clean instruments manually or using automated washers and ultrasonic cleaners. • Remove blood, tissue, and other contaminants before sterilization. 2. Inspection and Assembly • Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, corrosion, or malfunction. • Test instrument functionality where applicable. • Assemble instrument sets and surgical trays according to hospital standards. 3. Sterilization • Operate sterilization equipment such as: • Steam autoclaves • Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizers • Low-temperature sterilization systems • Select appropriate sterilization methods based on instrument type. • Monitor sterilization cycles and ensure required parameters are met. 4. Packaging and Labeling • Pack instruments using approved wrapping materials and containers. • Label sterilized items with batch numbers, dates, and expiry information. • Maintain traceability records for sterilized loads. 5. Storage and Distribution • Store sterile supplies under proper conditions. • Maintain stock levels of sterile instruments and consumables. • Distribute sterile packs and equipment to departments as requested. 6. Quality Control and Documentation • Perform biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring of sterilizers. • Maintain sterilization records and logs. • Ensure compliance with infection control policies and accreditation standards. • Report equipment failures or process deviations. 7. Infection Prevention and Safety • Follow standard precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. • Handle contaminated instruments safely. • Adhere to hospital infection control protocols and occupational safety guidelines.